Section Three The second year – activities and key issues by type of detention Detention of children HMIP, IMBs and the OCC have all expressed deep concern at the detention of children for immigration purposes and welcomed the announcement by the UK government in 2010 that such detention would end. Despite the government’s announcement, children will continue to be detained with their families in some circumstances. Families may be held for short periods in new predeparture accommodation and at Tinsley House IRC. Given concerns about the effect of detention on children’s health and welfare, the NPM members will continue to monitor their treatment closely. In addition, the OCC has led child rights-based training sessions to staff employed in the pre-departure accommodation. Unaccompanied children seeking asylum During 2010–11, the OCC also undertook visits to a centre for accommodating unaccompanied children who are seeking asylum in Kent, and screening facilities at the port of Dover.41 It sought to establish what happens to children between their first contact with UK authorities and being placed into local authority care. While impressed at the level of care provided by the local authority-run centre, the OCC made 15 recommendations regarding their concerns about the treatment of children at key stages in the screening process. It has since undertaken further work to assess the arrangements relating to children’s first interview with immigration authorities and the period they are held by port authorities. It will publish findings and recommendations later in 2011–12. Overseas escorts Until recently, both HMIP and IMBs monitored escorting arrangements for detainees being deported, up to the point where the aircraft was about to take off. Following the death of a detainee on board an aircraft in October 2010, HMIP has begun to inspect overseas escorts, monitoring the treatment of detainees throughout the deportation process and until detainees reach their country of origin. The first such inspection, of detainees being deported to Jamaica, took place in March 2011. In addition, IMBs have been invited by the Home Secretary to monitor charter flights. The feasibility of extending their remit in this way is currently being assessed. This has involved monitoring two flights so far, to Nigeria and Afghanistan. The outcome of this assessment will be known in 2011–12. Northern Ireland Until recently, there has been no dedicated immigration detention facility in Northern Ireland. Instead, immigration detainees are held in police custody before being transferred to England or Scotland. Independent custody visitors in Northern Ireland have encountered such detainees during their regular visits to police custody and have expressed concern about this practice. However, in 2011 an STHF will be established in Northern Ireland, potentially offering more appropriate accommodation for immigration detainees. It will fall within the mandate of HMIP and it is anticipated that arrangements for monitoring by a lay body will also be put in place. 41 Office of the Children’s Commissioner, Landing in Kent (February 2011). 45